Eurotopics.net

Sweden's conservative government plans to expand nuclear power. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has announced plans to increase the upper limit of ten power plants nationwide and invest in new small reactors. The phasing out of nuclear power for which the Swedish people voted in a 1980 referendum but which has repeatedly been postponed is thus off the table. Commentators call for further steps in this direction.

After many delays and repeated announcements the French government now wants to tackle its pension reform. According to plans presented by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Tuesday, the retirement age is to be raised gradually from 62 to 64 by 2032. Europe's press expects resistance.

After several countries pledged to supply light armoured fighting vehicles to Ukraine, the focus is now shifting to the question of whether to send heavy battle tanks too. German Leopard and British Challenger tanks are the main models under discussion. The press joins the debate.

The UK's first attempt to launch a satellite into space from its own territory failed on Tuesday night. Although the Cosmic Girl flying launch vehicle and launcher took off from Newquay Airport as planned, due to a technical problem it didn't reach the necessary altitude. There is mockery but also encouragement from the national press.

In Finland, several cases of employees of private security companies humiliating or physically abusing persons they have detained have come to light in recent weeks. Such services are contracted to improve security at railway stations and in trains, for example. One of the companies has repeatedly been accused of excessive use of force since 2016. What action should be taken?